Employment Opportunities

Archivist

The Wellesley Historical Society seeks a detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative museum professional to serve as its Archivist. This position plays a vital role in preserving, organizing, and providing access to the Society’s historical collections, ensuring that Wellesley’s documentary and material heritage is cared for according to professional archival standards.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Exhibits and Collections, the Archivist is responsible for the stewardship of the Society’s archival and special collections and for supporting research, exhibitions, and public access.

Collections Management

• Maintain physical and intellectual control of all Wellesley Historical Society collections, including archives, photographs, maps and plans, library materials, textiles, works of art, objects, entomology, and audiovisual materials.
• Manage accessioning, cataloging, processing, rehousing, labeling, and storage of collections in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
• Evaluate and determine the suitability of proposed acquisitions in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Exhibits and Collections.
• Develop, update, and maintain collections-related policies and procedures.

Collections Care & Preservation

• Monitor environmental conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, and light levels.
• Maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.
• Conduct historic housekeeping of objects, storage areas, and exhibit spaces.

Records & Information Management

• Maintain current archival and collections management files, both physical and digital.
• Enter and manage archival and collections data in collections management system (PastPerfect).

Research & Access

• Respond to research inquiries and facilitate access to collections for staff, researchers, educators, and the public.
• Support exhibitions, educational programs, and publications through collections research and documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience working with archival or museum collections.
• Knowledge of archival principles, collections management, and preservation standards.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and researchers.
• Proficiency with collections management software and general computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate training in archival studies, library science, museum studies, or a related field.
• Experience working with a broad range of materials, including photographs, manuscripts, and textiles.
• Familiarity with PastPerfect or similar collections management systems.
• Experience supporting exhibitions or interpretive projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to reach overhead, climb ladders, and navigate stairs as required for collections care and access.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

• Part-time position with flexible scheduling.
• Compensation commensurate with experience.
• Paid vacation.
• Wellesley Historical Society membership with North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) privileges.

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to: director@wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.

Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the Society’s lead professional, working closely with the volunteer Board of Directors to advance its mission and operations. The ED manages staff, programs, and facilities; oversees collections, finances, and public engagement; and represents the Society within the community. The ideal candidate combines nonprofit management expertise with enthusiasm for local history and volunteer collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with the Board to implement the Society’s strategic plan, budget, and fundraising goals.

  • Manage daily operations, staff, volunteers, vendors, and facilities, including environmental and collections care.

  • Supervise the Director of Exhibits and Collections in developing and installing rotating exhibits.

  • Lead programs and fundraising events, sometimes outside normal business hours.

  • Oversee financial management with bookkeeper and accountant.

  • Manage The Tollhouse Shop and its volunteers.

  • Support collections access for researchers and maintain collection integrity.

  • Coordinate public communications including press, membership, website, social media, and email, with external marketing support.

  • Serve as the Society’s liaison to Town officials and represent WHS in community forums.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in history, museum studies, or related field.

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a nonprofit, museum, or historical organization.

  • Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to inspire and work collaboratively with volunteers.

  • Passion for history and community engagement.

Position Details

  • Hours: Full-time position; on-site presence required at least four days per week, with some evenings and weekends necessary.

  • Compensation: Annual salary of $65,000, with potential for a bonus.

  • Health and Dental Insurance Benefits available.

  • Vacation: Four weeks of paid vacation each year.

  • Wellesley Historical Society membership with North American Reciprocal Museum privileges.

  • Reports to: Board of Directors, with direct reporting to the President.

Submit a cover letter and résumé to: director@wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org.